Helen Marie Hertel, also known as the "little pink lady", lost her battle with leukemia on Tuesday, February 20, 2001.

She was born October 12, 1920 In Newcastle, WY to Grover and Christine Taylor, and grew up in Sheridan, WY.

After completing business college, she accepted a Civil Service position in late 1940 as secretary to the State Administrator of War Bonds. This office handled all the material and correspondence regarding war bonds. Helen met many celebrities who came for bond drives and rallies, including Bing Crosby, Abbott and Costello, and many others. Helen lived in former Governor Carey's mansion along with 35 other girls, all of whom worked for the government during this interesting era.

In Cheyenne, she met her husband to be, Rodney M. Hertel, who had returned from college to join the Flying Cadets right after Pearl Harbor. After Rod received his commission, he and Helen were married in Tucson in February of 1943. Helen traveled with Rod until he went to the Pacific Theater as a bombardier on a B-24 crew.

After the war, Rod and Helen settled in Cheyenne where Rod worked as a traveling engineer accountant. Their son, Vaughn, was born in February of 1947. In 1951, Rod was recalled to service during the Korean Crisis,' and after that made the Air Force his career.

Helen, Rod and Vaughn traveled a great deal. One assignment they especially enjoyed was a three-year posting in the Basque Country of Northern Spain, where they learned to speak Spanish fluently and made many friends. Rodney retired from the military in 1969 with the rank of Colonel, and the family settled in Albuquerque.

Helen was very active in community service. She was Program Chair for Sierra Vista Civitan Club for many years, and always had interesting speakers. She was a member of Paradise Hills ' United Methodist Church. She was a member of Paradise Hills Women's Golf Association. Both Helen and Rod were active in working with organizations associated with the handicapped.

Preceding Helen in death were her husband, Rodney in November of 1996, her son, Vaughn in April of 2000, and her brother, Ty Taylor.

Surviving are her sister, Jean Hobein and husband, Byron and family of Anchorage, AK; her brother, Grover Taylor and wife, Helen and family of Juneau, AK; a special niece, Marlene Ketchum of the family home; and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind many wonderful friends.

Memorial Services will be held Monday, February 26, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. at the Paradise Hills United Methodist Church, 4700 Paradise Blvd. Dr. David Snyman will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Helen's name may be made to the Civitan International Research Center, P.O. 130744, Birmingham, AL 35213-0744; Vaughn Hertel Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Carol Kline, 225 Sunnyslope St. SW, Abq, NM 87105; or Paradise Hills United Methodist Church, 4700 Paradise Blvd. NW, Abq, 871 14.

Sunrise Society is serving the family of Mrs. Hertel. 891-8200.

Albuquerque Journal - February 23, 2001.